TMJ & Vestibular Specialist

Sarah Kennedy BHSc PT MCSP HPC CCTT

Sarah completed her BHSc in Physiotherapy from Auckland University of Technology in 2005. She is a Board Certified Cervical (neck) and Temporomandibular (jaw) Therapist via the American Academy of Orofacial Pain and has completed Advanced training in Vestibular Rehabilitation. Where as many physiotherapists would only encounter TMJ and vestibular conditions very occasionally, and perhaps have very preliminary training in these areas, Sarah has focused the bulk of her clinical experience on TMJ and Vestibular conditions in private practice and has worked with audiologists, ENTs, dentists and orofacial pain specialists. In addition to specific TMJ and vestibular exercises, Sarah incorporates Orthopaedic Manual Therapy and Stecco Fascial Manipulation into patient care.

Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD)

“The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located just in front of the ear on either side of the face and attaches the lower jaw to the rest of the skull. Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) is a blanket term which covers any number of problems affecting the normal function of the jaw. Symptoms may include jaw pain, neck pain, clicking or noises in the jaw, difficulty opening the jaw, headaches, ear discomfort, ringing in the ears, a sensation of ears being blocked, altered facial sensation, fascial sensitivity, dizziness or fatigue. Symptoms may be exacerbated when talking or chewing. The TMJs may become inflamed and the muscles of chewing may become over-active and tight.

Individuals with TMD may notice these symptoms develop gradually, over time, or they may be related to a particular incident such as a car accident, a jaw dislocation or following significant oral surgery. Many TMD conditions can resolve completely, where as others may persist and require a plan for long-term management.

Physiotherapy can play an important role in diagnosing and managing TMD conditions. Treatment often includes education on how to care for your jaw, jaw exercises, soft tissue techniques, mobilization of the jaw, ultrasound, application of ice or heat, and relaxation techniques. Soft tissue therapy can often be helpful when ongoing soft tissue techniques are needed for pain relief. Other areas with musculoskeletal problems, such as the neck or shoulder, may also need to be addressed.

You do not require a referral to seek TMD treatment from a physiotherapist, however, physiotherapy may be recommended by your doctor, dentist, or oral medicine specialist. Your physiotherapist can communicate and work with these healthcare providers to optimize your treatment.”

Vestibular Rehabilitation for balance, vertigo and dizziness

“Our ability to remain balanced when upright and to stabilize our eye movements is largely determined by the function of our vestibular system. This system is comprised of the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear and the parts of the brain that process balance information.

When there is a problem in the vestibular system an individual may experience some of the following symptoms: a sensation that the room is spinning, a feeling of moving when at rest, nausea, dizziness, motion sensitivity, light sensitivity, noise sensitivity, blurry vision, double vision, imbalance, and hearing changes.

Many conditions which cause dizziness can be improved with physiotherapy. You may have already been diagnosed with a vestibular problem that is appropriate for physiotherapy intervention. These include, but are not limited to, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, inner ear infection, Ménière’s disease, or post-traumatic vertigo (following a head injury or car accident).

A vestibular assessment will involve filling out a questionnaire, discussing the history of your condition in detail, and a series of head positioning tests, vision tests and balance tests specific to your condition. Treatment may involve manual techniques performed by the therapist as well as balance, vision and coordination exercises. Testing my provoke some of your symptoms and it is recommended that you do not plan to drive yourself home after your first visit.

If you are unsure if you could benefit from a vestibular assessment please contact Physiotherapy London to speak with a therapist before booking an assessment. Some conditions involving dizziness cannot be improved with physiotherapy. These include dizziness from cardiovascular disease, vertebral artery insufficiency, medication induced dizziness, postural hypotension, auditory and visual system dysfunction. Our therapist may recommend that you see your physician prior to booking your appointment.”

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Great service. Quick and friendly. Identified my issue quickly and after a couple of sessions provided the exercises I needed to get me back to full strength without the need for any further physio. Very much recommended.

I went for a 30 minute sports massage with Sophie Wicks today. I've had a problem with tight knots in my calves and I thought a massage pre-race would be a good idea. She applied good hard pressure on those knots unlike many masseurs and also gave me some post-run tips for loosening those muscles. Unlike many practitioners, she did not oversell and say that I needed a massage once a month or every week as I don't get many running related injuries. I will definitely be back.

These folk have been looking after me very well since 2007 through various sports injuries. They offer a comprehensive team of truly excellent specialists.Yet they are still small enough to be personal have a clear sense of who each client/patient is. The level of communication is first rate, as is attention to detail. Very convenient to get to from Canary Wharf.

I saw Milly Mirkovic for a sports related shoulder injury. I received excellent, expert professional care. Milly performed really detailed assessments at each appointment and set me tailored exercise programmes that were achievable. This got me back to normal fitness (and some!) in a reasonable timeframe. A couple of months along now and no recurrence of the problem. Many thanks.

I worked with Kasia Z. to deal with a torn elbow tendon, and I cannot recommend her enough. She was great to work with: patient, understanding and flexible. She gave me exercises to do at home to help speed the recovery process and was very responsive in tailoring them to my feedback as to what worked and what i was finding hard to incorporate into my daily routine. She not only helped me with the elbow, but gave me some great insights into my body, as well as recommending types of exercises I should focus on to prevent repeat injuries.

Following persistent pain in my knee, I saw my GP who recommended physiotherapy sessions.
I contacted Physiotherapy London (Canary Wharf) and got an appointment quickly and at a convenient time.
I saw a lower limb specialist who was very knowledgeable and friendly.
He took time to assess the problem, discussed with me various way of improving the condition and showed me in detail exercises I could do at home.
Very positive experience from the reception lady to the specialist.
Highly recommended.

My physiotherapist Candice is fab. I can't say enough great things about her and her professionalism. After suffering a trapped nerve and extremely painful scapula for nearly 8 weeks all the NHS would offer me was strong drugs, I was at my wit's end. I saw Candice, she gave me a comprehensive medical diagnosis as to what was causing the problem and has offered to refer me back into the NHS should a set schedule of regular treatments not rectify the problem.
I was dubious about going privately for treatment as money is tight, but this organisation seems to want to help. There is not a schedule of endless appointments and the prices are reasonable. The condition is improving slowly and I feel better in myself knowing what caused it and that I am in safe hands going forward.
Thank you Candice.

I have used Physiotherapy London at their Westferry studio on and off for several years and for various (never serious) reasons. I have always found them to be knowledgeable and professional in their approach, and they do not drag out and prolong the treatment beyond what is necessary. I am being treated by Mani at present for a problem with my wrists and have to say that he is just a bit exceptional. So approachable and kind.
I cannot praise him enough. I highly recommend this practice.

Visited physiotherapist in Slough for my shoulder pain, after 10 session no improvement was made whatsoever. Saw orthopedic who referred me to Mani Bhangra at Physiotherapy London (canary wharf). I could see the major improvements within 5 sessions.
Mani knows what he does like a pro. Couldn't recommend him enough.
The lovely lady on reception is also credit to the business, very friendly and welcoming.

I was referred to Scott Branny at Physiotherapy London following a broken left ankle. Unbeknownst to Scott, I had also been suffering with chronic, debilitating nerve pain on my right side, as regards which I had been, at the time of our first Consultation, seeking help not only all over London but abroad also, to no avail. Simply put, I had started to give up all hope. Scott has not only helped me progress with my ankle but has worked steadily with a curiosity and integrity I have not experienced, towards ultimately freeing me of my nerve pain. He is the first medical professional I have come across for as long as I can remember in whom I truly believe I can place my trust and faith. He is a consummate professional who communicates with absolute clarity while maintaining a caring and empathic manner - qualities which, in my experience, are now extremely rare. My experience of the greater "team" has also been second to none. In Sue, on reception, you could not wish for a more supportive and understanding point of contact, and equally in her colleague Karlie, the "human touch" is never forgotten and, refreshingly, nothing is ever a problem. Furthermore, they all own a very real understanding of the "life" complications, and a true sensitivity to the difficulties, which accompany injury and pain. In sum, I would recommend Scott and the team at Physiotherapy London, without reservation, and in the highest possible terms.

Great physio. Scott took the time to really understand my problem and is extremely knowledgeable and began fixing the problems in my first session.
Sue is always really welcoming on reception and they're very well organised.